Chapter 9: Decisions

"Land Ho!" the call came over the soft sounds of water. I woke up, held close by Kakashi. It was finally the end of our voyage to our mission. The seasickness started getting to me.

We arrived at the castle and looked at the young girl we were supposed to guard. The king of the Land of Snow smiled and introduced us to his daughter, Yukie. I knelt down and offered out my hand, a soft smile on my face. I could tell she was scared a little about Kakashi and I. I did a few hand signs and made a flower made out of fire and let it drift in the air. The little princess's eyes lit up and she made a noise that sounded like "wow" and "amazing" into one. Kakashi smiled down at her and then walked with the king to be briefed on what was going on. The little princess took my hand and pulled me to an ice garden, the flowers in full bloom and the ice sculptures looking magnificent.

"That's Momma," she pointed to one of a beautiful lady.

"She's very pretty," I smiled at her.

"Momma is in heaven with Grandpa and Grandma. Daddy says he'll join her one day, as will I. I hope that one day is soon," her innocence made me tear up.

"You still have a life ahead of you dear, don't you want to get married and have kids?" I pat her head.

"I want to see Momma again," she frowns.

"You'll see her again one day, after you have lived a full life," I smile and stand up.

She nodded and looked at the statue again before running to the castle. She lead me to her room, a simple one, but with a lot of dolls.

"Do you want to play?" she asked holding out one that resembled Rin, one of Kakashi's old team mates.

I nodded and that's how Kakashi found us a little bit later. Me with my hair in braids and bows, her wearing my headband. He laughed so hard he ended up on the floor and I turned to look at him.

"We decided to play dress up," defending my state.

"It's just I've never seen you outside of a ponytail or it down. This looks nice," he tugs on one of the braids.

I blushed and looked at the princess. She was hiding behind her bed.

"It's okay. He's with me," I held out my hand.

She came out from behind and after Kakashi reassured her that he wouldn't hurt her. Her father came in and announced it was time for dinner. She reluctantly followed and Kakashi and I stationed ourselves outside the dinning room door. Yukie peeked her head out and asked if we were hungry. Her father called us in, saying they'd be better protected if we joined them. We agreed, and after the princess went to bed, I placed myself by her side and Kakashi outside her door. I watched her as she slept, peaceful and...

A loud explosion rocked the castle. Kakashi barged in with a wild look in his eyes, "We're being attacked!"

Yukie shot up out of bed and screamed for her father. Kakashi informed her he went to confront her uncle. She started crying and took off to his chambers. I swept her up and ran outside. I saw the castle was alighted in flames.

"Kakashi, get Yukie out of here!" I screamed at him.

"I'll stay and fight, you get her out of here!" he started running to the battle.

"Ka-ka-shi," my soft voice stopped him in his tracks. He turned and looked at me.

"You're the only one with the skill to protect her. Since you can copy jutsus, you would throw the enemy off guard. I have the skill to stand and fight," I gazed into his eyes.

"Azelea, I cannot lose you," he started.

"Either way is a risk, my love," I handed him Yukie, "But I believe this is for the best. With my strength I'd be more useful in the actual battle. Please, Kakashi. Save Yukie. This is the time when your emotions shouldn't get in the way of a mission."

As much as those words hurt they rang true. And Kakashi knew it. After a moment in silence he nodded and took off with Yukie, leaving me with the words "You better come back to me alive."

As Kakashi disappeared with the princess I ran to the battle. This decision was hard on us both, but I knew our mission depended on suppressing our feelings.